Dierks Bentley paid tribute to the city of Charleston, S.C., during his appearance on Good Morning America on Friday (June 26). The singer dedicated the title track of his latest album, Riser, to all the residents of the city as they fight through the tragedy of the loss of nine lives in a shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17.

“[I'm] thinking about all the folks in Charleston, S.C., right now, what they’re going through,” Bentley told the crowd moments before he started the tune. “I can’t think of any group in our nation right now that’s facing more difficulties, and if there are any ‘risers’ out there, they’re out there leading the way. So this song is definitely for them today.”

The 39-year-old country star also acknowledged that this song was originally intended to be about his father who passed away, but it has become an anthem for all his fans who are going through something right now, but still have people counting on them.

As Bentley told various media recently, "It takes different meanings as it goes on."